Dynamic Plugin Generation for Network Device Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing complexity of managing network traffic between client and server computers, particularly with multiple network traffic management devices, leads to administrative challenges due to the need for configuring multiple devices based on network policies, which can result in user-induced errors and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
The development of a system that dynamically generates plugins based on user-customized catalogs, allowing for the configuration of network devices by creating plugin modules that include application features, constraints, and default values, which are then installed on host and visitor computers to streamline configuration processes and reduce errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If administrators manually configure multiple network traffic management devices, then network policies can be implemented, but administrative complexity and user-induced errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses templates as reusable copies of configuration parameters. Administrators create template instances that can be copied and applied across multiple network devices, ensuring consistent configuration and reducing manual errors while simplifying administration of complex device fleets.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary configuration work by pre-defining templates with required parameters, constraints, and default values before actual device configuration. This advance preparation reduces on-site administrative complexity and ensures configuration accuracy when deploying to multiple devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all application features and parameters are exposed to users for configuration, then complete control is available, but user-induced errors increase due to complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complete set of application features into organized templates with specific parameter groups. Each template presents only relevant parameters to users while maintaining access to complete control through the underlying template structure, thus simplifying operation without sacrificing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
Templates act as intermediaries between users and the complex application features. The template layer provides a simplified interface that mediates user input while maintaining full configuration control through the structured parameter definitions and constraints embedded in the template.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple network devices are managed individually, then each device can be configured precisely, but time and administrative effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates universal templates that can be applied across multiple different network devices simultaneously. A single template instance can configure parameters across multiple devices, maintaining configuration precision while dramatically improving productivity by eliminating repetitive individual device configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the configuration of multiple devices into a unified template-based process. By combining device-specific configurations under a common template framework, administrators achieve both precise control over each device and efficient bulk configuration across the entire device fleet.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are directed towards dynamically generating a plugin module based on a customizable catalog. A plurality of application features may be determined based on a catalog of available application features of a visitor computer. One or more templates may be generated that lists application features. A plugin client and a corresponding plugin core that include application features listed in the one or more templates may be generated. The plugin client may then be provided to the host computer and the corresponding plugin core may be installed on the visitor computer. Information that may be associated with actions performed by users of the plugin client may be obtained from the host computer. Application features included in the plugin core may be determined based on the information obtained from the host computer. And, operations may be performed on the visitor computer based on the obtained information and the plugin core.